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Clarence to Hold 75th Anniversary Jubilee Aug. 26th
Entertainment for All on the Town’s Diamond Birthday
(Retyped from THE Sun August, 1933)

     When the business men first decided to hold a celebration they did not know that the event would be in commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the beginning of the town of Clarence. Gordon Smith happened to locate the fact and it was immediately incorporated in the plans of the celebration.

     In the fall of 1858 the Chicago, Iowa, and Nebraska railroad, now known as the Chicago & Northwestern railway, was completed to a point just east of the village where it stopped for a time. When the cars commenced to make regular trips in 1858 to Onion Grove (the original name for Clarence) an old car was switched off on a side track and used as a freight and ticket office with Wm. M. Hoey as the first agent. This station was located near the driveway leading to the Henry Pruess farm house. The grove a couple of miles northeast of Clarence still holds the name of Onion Grove and the first post office carried that name and Thomas Robinson was the first postmaster. He conducted the office in his home at the grove and was supplied by the Iowa City, Tipton, and Dubuque mail route. The large quantities of wild onions along the banks of Mill Creek and in the timber suggested the name and telegraph call for Clarence or Onion Grove was made OG and that call still comes over the wire when Clarence is wanted. As the settlement grew the post office came to the village and Thos. Worden became postmaster. …

     The Iowa Land Co. bought from Joseph Ball a track of land that was made the original tract. They also purchased tracts of land from James Laughrey and Daniel Lesley which were subdivided.

     Clarence was named in honor of Clarence, New York at the suggestion of L. B. Gere, one of the od business men of the community.

     The town was not incorporated till 1866. The first meeting of the town board was held on May 8, 1866 when James DeWolf was sworn in as the first mayor. The first councilmen were: C. M. Gilbert, E. B. Simmons, A. W. Boomburg, B. A. Mind and J. Stone. Geo. McLeod was the first recorder, L. S. Knapp treasurer and J. P. Ferguson marshal.

     And so we celebrate.

     Come to Clarence on Saturday, Aug. 26th and enjoy the day. Those who formerly resided here are specially urged to come and enjoy the day in renewing acquaintances and make new ones among those who now make up the town and tributary territory. All will be made welcome and entertainment will be provided in the following:

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PROGRAM

Concert by the Farm Bureau Band 72 pieces, 10 o’clock

Races, 10:30 to 12

Noon hour, 12 to 1

Baseball, Stanwood vs. Clarence, and Kitten ball Lowden vs. Clarence 1 to 4 at school grounds

Concert by the Waterloo Little German Bank at 1:30

Tug of war on street 4:15

Polo wheelbarrow race, 4:45

Old folks’ dance, 4:30 to 6 Free

Parachute jump, 6:30

Entertainment on platform 7, to 8:30

Boxing, etc.

Dance at 8:30

A Merry Go Round will be here to the joy of the kiddies.

Airplanes will be here to do a Passenger business

Three-legged race, first 75 cents, second 50 cents, third 25 cents

Sack race, first 75 cents, Second, 50 cents, third 25 cents

Potato race, first 75 cents, Second 50 cents, third 25 cents

Boys’ shoe scramble, first 75 cents, Second 50 cents, third 25 cents

Fat men’s race, first 75 cents, Second 50 cents, third 25 cents

100 yard shuttle race, first 75 cents, Second 50 cents, third 25 cents

Tug of War, North vs. South $8 to the winners

BOYS’ BOXING – Under 10 years, 11 to 13 years, 13 to 16 years, 17 to 20 years. Three two minutes rounds each bout. $1 to each winner, 50 cents to each loser. Boys interested see Mr. Benner before Aug. 25th

Mickey and Minnie from Cedar Falls will be on the program from 7 to 8:30 and give three dances. Mickey & Minnie Mouse, Cream and Scram, and a Tap Novelty. These girls are not amateurs and have appeared many times in their section of the state in vaudeville.

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The Big Day
Retyped from The Sun

     The business men of Clarence are pleased that so many responded to the invitation to help the town observe the 75th anniversary of the origin of the village and hope that all will be moved to come again.

     Corn stalks were used for decoration in addition to flags, etc., and the town took on a gay appearance.

     The event was well advertised. Billing was done in 19 towns; through the Farm Bureau it was mentioned in nearly every paper in the county. Hardacre Theater ran a slide and Davenport and Cedar Rapids papers used new items.

     The Cedar County Farm Bureau Band of 75 pieces can be given a generous share of credit for the success of the day. They are liberal with their music and remained longer on the band stand then any professional organization would. By a misunderstanding the Waterloo Little German Band was put on the program for 1:30. They couldn’t get here at that time after their daily broadcast from WMT and the time would have been dull down town during the ball games if the F.B. Band hadn’t continued to lay. Some of the young ladies not used to being in the sun carried to the state fair this week an ever present reminder composed of sunburn taken on at the Clarence concerts.

     The band is an organization of which the county can by proud. It takes able leadership to bring out such music as this band plays and leader F. J. McCoy has the ability to get good results. Clarence really got more enjoyment out of this home band than came with the $1000 band of August 29th, 1919, when the 168th band played here. In numbers the crowd Saturday wasn’t up that day but was as large or larger as any day ever put on in Clarence since the celebrations after the war.

    The results of the races follow:

Boys under 12- Harold Syring 1st, Wilfred Pruess 2d, Wilmer Gehrls 3d

Boys 12-18 – George Nanke, Melvin Steffens, Edwin Decker

Girls under 12 – Virginia Phillips, Virginia Kelly, Leota Goldsmith

Girls 12-18 – Phyllis Bixler, Velma Hartig, Mildred Stock

Men’s free for all- Irvin Hartig, Geo. Nanke, L. T. Pogue

Three legged race – Phil Sweat, Gordon Thompson, Chas. Emerson, Edwin Decker, Geo. Nanke, Irvin Hartig

Sack race – Geo. Nanke, Ellis Yeater, Ralph Stock

Shoe Scramble – Irvin Frahm, Loyal Rathman, Ralph Stock

Fat Men’s race – Walter Benthin, Fred Feddersen, Arnold Kleppe

Shuttle relay race, - 1st Irvin Hartig, R. Harness, R. Schilling, A Felske; 2nd Geo. Nansen, Edwin Decker, James Clemmens, Chas. Emerson

The tug of war between the farmers from the south and those from the north went to the first mentioned.

The ball games were both close enough to hold interest. In baseball Clarence won over Stanwood 6 to 4 and in kittenball Lowden won over Clarence 8 to 3.

    The most pleasing event of the day was the free dance given from 4:30 to 6 o’clock. At first only those over 60 were admitted but this was found too high and the age was put at 50. This did not over crowd the hall with dancers and spectators, and did these older people enjoy themselves? The Little German Band played that familiar old dance music and got ‘em going to great shape. The band members led in singing along with the music and the dancers took up the songs. It was all old fashioned but a big hit. Many danced for the first time in years and surely none of them will ever be included again in a happier or more congenial party. They’ll all tell you the same thing, that they had a fine time but it was too short. This feature will be included in future celebrations. Had the door not been well kept, the intention would have been spoiled. The younger …

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... folks would have filled the hall and the older people would have had no chance.

    The evening dance was also a big success. The sale of dance tickets reached 612, the admission fee being 25 cents per person. The idea had spread some that the Little German Band wouldn’t furnish the more modern music but the dancers all know now that this band ranks well as a dance organization.

    The parachute drop was not satisfactory. The drop was made not perhaps too high but too far away. The depot grounds were filled with spectators expecting the parachute to be cut loose north of the depot. The wind was from the north and the drift would have carried the men free from the greatest menace - electric wires. The drop was started east and a little south of town and the landing made in Wilfred Press’ pasture a mile east and two miles south of Clarence. Jessie Baker of Mechanicsville made the jump.

    The bad plane accident of the Monday before when two men were killed here was expected to cut the passenger business, but still the three planes seemed to be going much of the time during the day and evening. Two of the ships were from Dubuque and one from Cedar Falls.

    On the state the ranking entertainment was that given in the concerts of the Farm Bureau Band. The celebration added for the day a new member of the band, the old major. Traveling in a California car, this old showman came to town the day before and applied for a job claiming to have traveled with Ringling. He knows his stuff anyway and kept up his clowning till the dance was nearly over. His nonsense was wholesome, his knowledge of music was apparent and his work won a return engagement for next year.

    The evening entertainment from the state had the largest audience of the day. The boxing was suitable for the occasion and the Cedar Falls dance team did very well, but the Hartwig sisters had too much competition from the Ferris wheel music so their efforts and talent were practically wasted.

    The results of the boxing matches are given below. Where money is shown as divided even indicates a tie:

Under 10 years – Richard Lane 25 cents, Roger Gintert 25 cents, Bobby Lane 75 cents, Lloyd Meyer 75 cents

10 to 12 years - Orlo Baltisburger $1, Harry Meyer 50 cents

13 to 18 years – James Clemmens $1, Roy Buckley 50 cents

16 to 20 years – Woodrow Stock, $1, Manford Purkapile 50 cents.

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CLARENCE CENTENNIAL 1859-1959
July 31 - Aug. 1 & 2, 1959

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CLARENCE QUASQUICENTENNIAL 1859-1984
July 20, 21, 22, 1984

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Picture: Kay (Hasselbusch) Leighty was crowned Queen
Picture: Helen Hasselbusch, Dorothy Kreinbring Emmons, and Alyce Weatherwax wrote the pageant which was given at the park. All now currently reside at the Clarence Nursing Home
Picture: Indian Dancers led by Karl and Bernice Schnipkoweit
Picture: Square Dancers: Lowell and Pat Smothers, Norman and June Bergmann, Milton and Helen Behrens, Howard and Genevieve Gritton.
Picture: A large group from Clarence traveled to Lowden in the Centennial finery to dance and promote the Centennial Celebration.

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A Letter From the Chairman of the Quasquicentennial      The Clarence Quasquicentennial Celebration (125th Anniversary) is now history and, judging from comments made during the Sunday dinner, it will remain in the memories of many as a big success. As overall Chairman of the Celebration and in behalf of the Central Committee (Don Johnson, Dennis Stresemann, Sue Debner and King Kelly), I would like to thank and name the various people and/or organizations who were assigned committee responsibilities.      Rob and Sue Debner, SOC, Novelty Promotions; Roger Thiele, Gary Mohr, Ray Steinke, Fire Department, Parade; King Kelly, Photography and Video; Millie Mingst, 125th Anniversary Program; Bob Plueger, Jack Williams, Beard and Moustache Contest; Norma Dettman, Margaret Davis, Cultus Club, Old Fashioned Dress Contest; Mary Utley, Kirby Phillips, Henry and Charlotte Klatt, Marcia Kleppe, Anniversary Book; Florence Hunwardsen, Senior Citizens, Windows and Storefronts;      Chris Plueger, Greta Havel, Kiddie Events; Roger Baldwin, Horseshoe Pitching; Carl Kohrt, Larry Licht, Legion and Lions, Parking; Kirby and Sally Phillips, First Aid; Jerry Goldsmith, Lions, Antique Display; Lawrence and Lois Ruther, Joint Church Services; Jerry Goldsmith, Lions, Sunday Dinner; Carl Kohrt, Legion, Opening and Closing Ceremonies; Rosalie Sheldon, Gail Stokes, Community Band; Gary Oster, Sheryl Cooperider, Community Choir; Sonny and Marge Stonerook, Tables and Chairs.      Carl Kohrt, Legion, Beer Garden; Virginia Robinson, Bernita Walker, Janette Brendes, Ruth Hormann, Kirby and Sally Phillips, Churches, Park Boosters, 4-H, Scouts, Food and Refreshment Stands; Carl Kohrt, Sow Riding and Trailer Backing Contest; Jerry Goldsmith, Threshing Demonstration; Rob Debner, SOC, Display Booths; Greta Havel, Raffle Ticket Headquarters; Helen Lund, SOC, Program and Dance Tickets, Adelia Liercke, Central Committee, acquisition of Jerry Carr; Marty Shriver, Central Committee, Hot Air Balloon; Marty Hymes, Central Committee, Dance Bands;      Dennis Stresemann, Central Committee, Sanitation and Park Cleanup; Sally Phillips, Central Committee, Security; Marty Hymes, Central Committee, Posters and Programs, Don Johnson, Marty Hymes, Central Committee, Sound Systems; Marty Hymes, Don Johnson, King Kelly, Central Committee, Queen Contest; Don Johnson, Central Committee, Hot Air Balloon; Marty Hymes, Central Committee, Moon Walk and Skill Cranes.      Of course many other people from the various organizations and within the community, worked together to support the committees to make those 3 days a success. I believe we can no longer say the Clarence Community does not work together.      Two of the events that stand out as exceptional and will remain in the memory of many for years to come, are the Friday and Saturday evening programs and the parade. A special thank you to Roger Thiele and the Fire Department, and Millie Mingst and her crew (Connie Kelly, Karla Chapman and Mary Kay Mostaert) for an outstanding job.      Finally, I would like to thank my family for putting up with the many telephone calls and meetings and to pay a personal tribute to Don Johnson, Dennis Stresemann, Sue Debner, and King Kelly for the many hours they dedicated toward supporting the celebration. They are the Central Committee members whose responsibilities were as follows: Don Johnson, chairman; Dennis Stresemann, secretary; Sue Debner, treasurer and King Kelly, chairman. Although not a Central Committee member, Roger Thiele was instrumental in providing the positive attitude and a lending hand wherever I felt it was needed and furnished the spray which Gene Koth spread to control the bugs. It is difficult for me to find the words to express my appreciation for the support they gave me, particularly during the 2 weeks prior to the celebration. In my opinion, they are the unsung heroes of the celebration and will always remain in my heart as some of the most dedicated and conscientious people I have ever had the pleasure of working with.      Please join with me in congratulating these people the next time you have an occasion to seem them. Marty Hymes Chairman

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Picture: Paula (Wenndt) Burnett was crowned queen
Picture: The Rouse Family joins the parade and remembers the White Castle Ice Cream Stand that their family had.
Picture: Don Johnson presents Sally Sawyer with the Grand Prize, a 10 day trip to Hawaii
Picture: Left- Bob Hasselbusch drives his family’s John Deere G in the parade
Picture: Right – The Bob Mingst Family rides in their 1933 Plymouth
Picture: down town street